Willoughby 03 - A Rogue's Deadly Redemption by Jeannie Ruesch Page A

forward and gave Colette an impulsive hug. “I am proud of you.”
    Colette beamed with joy, and then hurried toward the group gathering at the other end of the room.
    “We can get started if you’re ready,” Mr. Hayes said.
    She looked around. More members had filtered in, waving at them and the lively din of conversation echoed against the stacks. “Yes, it looks as though we’re ready. Perhaps…”
    Her voice trailed off.
    Cordelia stood in the doorway.
    Their gazes met, and Cordelia moved toward her with that defiant, confident way of hers. Lily could feel the air in the room growing hotter and more suffocating with each step.
    “So this is your little project,” Cordelia said as she stopped in front of them.
    From the corner of her eye, Lily could see Mr. Hayes straighten his shoulders, but before she could say anything, Cordelia asked, “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
    Lily pursed her lips as a slow burn of resentment wound through her.
    Already the room buzzed with curiosity.
    Cordelia was so striking, her blue and white striped gown of the highest fashion. Her hair gleaming and perfectly coiffed. Lily fought the instinct to pat her own hair down, certain it had grown frizzier in the last five seconds.
    Once it was known Cordelia was the Duchess of Halton…well, in minutes that would ensure the afternoon was about her. The people that frequented this library had little opportunity to encounter a duchess. For weeks, they’d be talking of this visit.
    Would Lily find any respite from her sister now that she was in London?
    But Cordelia had left her no choice.
    “Duchess, may I introduce Mr. Hayes, the manager of the library? Mr. Hayes, this is Her Grace the Duchess of Halton,” Lily said with a quick reluctance.
    “Your grace, we are honored by your visit,” Mr. Hayes said.
    Lily felt no such thing. It might be childish, but she couldn’t stem the anger building inside of her, fisting her hands. This was her place. Her escape.
    She couldn’t very well escape if her sister followed.
    “Yes, we are honored by your brief visit,” Lily said. “I am certain you have other shopping and things to do, so we won’t keep you.”
    Cordelia looked about the room. “I have never been to a subscription library. I am fascinated.” The challenge had been issued.
    “How kind.” Lily pasted a smile on her face.
    “If you’ll excuse me,” Mr. Hayes said, seeming to catch the undertones of their politeness. “Your grace, Lady Melrose. I’ll see about getting our group settled today.” He bowed from their circle and hurried across the room.
    Once he was out of earshot, Lily took a step toward Cordelia. “Did you follow me here?” she asked through clenched teeth, keeping her tone low.
    “Blythe had written of your library, so I thought to see for myself. I was bored.”
    “Poppycosh. You have no more desire to spend time with me than I do with you. We both know you are not the slightest bit interested in the library.”
    “On the contrary,” Cordelia argued. “I see you have taken an interest in this quaint place here, and I find I need something to occupy my time.”
    “This is my business, Cordelia. Not yours. I do not want you here.”
    “You mean Adam’s business, don’t you? He is the one who purchased the building, pays the bills. He would be the one I should ask if I may participate. Yes, I do believe I’ll do just that when I return.”
    “Why must you be so hateful?”
    “This is not a competition. I am simply showing my interest in things you are interested in.” Cordelia cocked her head. “Isn’t that what sisters do?” The pointed barb hit home, and Lily flushed.
    At that, she turned and left Lily for the other side of the room. People jumped to their feet, offering curtsies to the duchess.
    Even Mr. Hayes gave her his patented smile.
    The discussion was about to start, and the group gathered in their chairs. Cordelia sat down, letting everyone make a great fuss over